H-1B Visa Urban Planner Jobs
Urban Planner roles qualify as H-1B visa specialty occupations under SOC code 19-3051, requiring at least a bachelor's degree in urban planning, regional planning, or a closely related field. Municipal agencies, metropolitan planning organizations, and private consulting firms all sponsor H-1B petitions for this occupation, with no lottery exemption but consistent annual demand.
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Get Access To All JobsPosition Classification Faculty
Employment Type Full-Time Grant
Benefits Full Time Benefitted
Department Applied Tech
Summary
Responsible for program management of the Certificate of Arboriculture and Urban Forestry Program, including program oversight, instruction, internship coordination, career pathway development, student embedded advising, and Arboriculture community extension services. Uses appropriate teaching methods to facilitate student learning for Arboriculture and Urban Forestry courses and provides learning experiences on Urban Forestry and Arboriculture issues to a wide range of community and student audiences. Responsible for equipping students with essential skills and knowledge in Urban Forestry practices aligned with industry standards and preparing them for a successful entry into the workforce.
Duties
- Lead and oversee the Certificate of Arboriculture and Urban Forestry Program.
- Teach a minimum of 7 credit hours per semester of lecture and labs.
- Provide learning experiences through Extension programming by identifying and addressing clientele needs and delivering non-formal learning opportunities such as presentations, workshops, field trips, tours and demonstrations.
- Collaborate with the Department of Applied Technology, Grounds, Horticulture, and External Affairs to implement a successful program as part of RSNMIUFP Grant Deliverables.
- Manage the internship program to ensure successful student placement and completion.
- Ensures program compliance with ISA Best Management Practices, guided by the ANSI-Z133 standard for safe Arboriculture operations.
- Utilize a combination of theoretical and practical approaches to ensure hands-on learning in both classroom and field settings.
- Mentor and support students in developing employability skills, including teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.
- Conduct regular assessments of student competencies, utilizing criterion-referenced measurements to verify skill mastery in urban forestry practices.
- Completes all administrative functions, including submission of grades, trainings, assessments, and other processes and documents as required by the academic department and WNMU.
- Maintain and model a safe working environment and comply with all state and federal safety regulations.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Education/Background
Bachelor’s degree in plant related field required, International Society of Arboriculture-Certified Arborist Credential, or certification through the Society of American Foresters required, or ability to acquire either in 6-12 months. Can substitute Professional Certification for a minimum of 5 years of work experience in Arboriculture, Landscape maintenance, Agriculture, or Horticulture plus a bachelor’s degree in plant related field.
Job Knowledge
Must possess a strong understanding of WNMU’s mission, values, and organizational structure. This role requires knowledge of university policies, procedures, and best practices in Arboriculture and Urban Forestry to effectively support institutional goals. The ideal candidate will demonstrate expertise in working in diverse, cultural environments to promote education change and social justice for the success and empowerment of all learners, with a commitment to fostering a collaborative and inclusive university environment. Must have experience providing technical urban forestry assistance or conducting urban forestry outreach or partnership activities with diverse audiences or organizations. Must have the qualifications to teach other disciplines or content areas such as Urban Forestry management, Care and Cultivation of Trees, Climbing for Arboriculture, Tools and Equipment, Groundwork, and practice safe arboriculture operations. Must be able to adapt to the instructional needs of the department, depending on circumstances. Ability to translate scientific and technical course content to a variety of learning contexts, ability to use multiple forms of digital communication tools and a willingness to adapt to a changing technological environment.
Working Conditions/ Physical Demands (With or Without Accommodations)
Normal classroom and outdoor environment on WNMU campus and may travel some within the community when needed. May be required to transport normal classroom and program equipment and materials. Physical ability to safely use and operate forestry tools and power equipment. May be required to lift up to 75lbs on occasion, and 50lbs regularly. Ability to comprehend and work with a variety of information from various sources. Able to clearly communicate with a diverse population of individuals. Ability to compose correspondence and reports and remain in a sedentary position for prolonged periods of time. May be required to work additional hours or days depending on circumstances.
Other Requirements
a. Location is on campus at WNMU in Silver City, New Mexico
b. Requires a valid driver’s license.
c. Required to complete Defensive Driving Course within 6 months.
Apply By
Location Silver City-On Campus
Salary Range $71,846-$74,034 w/o terminal degree to $75,627-$77,930 with terminal degree (This position is Grant Funded)
Length of Contract
Advertising Summary
This position is Grant Funded
Position Classification Faculty
Employment Type Full-Time Grant
Benefits Full Time Benefitted
Department Applied Tech
Summary
Responsible for program management of the Certificate of Arboriculture and Urban Forestry Program, including program oversight, instruction, internship coordination, career pathway development, student embedded advising, and Arboriculture community extension services. Uses appropriate teaching methods to facilitate student learning for Arboriculture and Urban Forestry courses and provides learning experiences on Urban Forestry and Arboriculture issues to a wide range of community and student audiences. Responsible for equipping students with essential skills and knowledge in Urban Forestry practices aligned with industry standards and preparing them for a successful entry into the workforce.
Duties
- Lead and oversee the Certificate of Arboriculture and Urban Forestry Program.
- Teach a minimum of 7 credit hours per semester of lecture and labs.
- Provide learning experiences through Extension programming by identifying and addressing clientele needs and delivering non-formal learning opportunities such as presentations, workshops, field trips, tours and demonstrations.
- Collaborate with the Department of Applied Technology, Grounds, Horticulture, and External Affairs to implement a successful program as part of RSNMIUFP Grant Deliverables.
- Manage the internship program to ensure successful student placement and completion.
- Ensures program compliance with ISA Best Management Practices, guided by the ANSI-Z133 standard for safe Arboriculture operations.
- Utilize a combination of theoretical and practical approaches to ensure hands-on learning in both classroom and field settings.
- Mentor and support students in developing employability skills, including teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.
- Conduct regular assessments of student competencies, utilizing criterion-referenced measurements to verify skill mastery in urban forestry practices.
- Completes all administrative functions, including submission of grades, trainings, assessments, and other processes and documents as required by the academic department and WNMU.
- Maintain and model a safe working environment and comply with all state and federal safety regulations.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Education/Background
Bachelor’s degree in plant related field required, International Society of Arboriculture-Certified Arborist Credential, or certification through the Society of American Foresters required, or ability to acquire either in 6-12 months. Can substitute Professional Certification for a minimum of 5 years of work experience in Arboriculture, Landscape maintenance, Agriculture, or Horticulture plus a bachelor’s degree in plant related field.
Job Knowledge
Must possess a strong understanding of WNMU’s mission, values, and organizational structure. This role requires knowledge of university policies, procedures, and best practices in Arboriculture and Urban Forestry to effectively support institutional goals. The ideal candidate will demonstrate expertise in working in diverse, cultural environments to promote education change and social justice for the success and empowerment of all learners, with a commitment to fostering a collaborative and inclusive university environment. Must have experience providing technical urban forestry assistance or conducting urban forestry outreach or partnership activities with diverse audiences or organizations. Must have the qualifications to teach other disciplines or content areas such as Urban Forestry management, Care and Cultivation of Trees, Climbing for Arboriculture, Tools and Equipment, Groundwork, and practice safe arboriculture operations. Must be able to adapt to the instructional needs of the department, depending on circumstances. Ability to translate scientific and technical course content to a variety of learning contexts, ability to use multiple forms of digital communication tools and a willingness to adapt to a changing technological environment.
Working Conditions/ Physical Demands (With or Without Accommodations)
Normal classroom and outdoor environment on WNMU campus and may travel some within the community when needed. May be required to transport normal classroom and program equipment and materials. Physical ability to safely use and operate forestry tools and power equipment. May be required to lift up to 75lbs on occasion, and 50lbs regularly. Ability to comprehend and work with a variety of information from various sources. Able to clearly communicate with a diverse population of individuals. Ability to compose correspondence and reports and remain in a sedentary position for prolonged periods of time. May be required to work additional hours or days depending on circumstances.
Other Requirements
a. Location is on campus at WNMU in Silver City, New Mexico
b. Requires a valid driver’s license.
c. Required to complete Defensive Driving Course within 6 months.
Apply By
Location Silver City-On Campus
Salary Range $71,846-$74,034 w/o terminal degree to $75,627-$77,930 with terminal degree (This position is Grant Funded)
Length of Contract
Advertising Summary
This position is Grant Funded
See all H-1B Visa Urban Planner Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship as an Urban Planner
Verify your degree meets specialty occupation standards
Urban planning roles require a directly related degree to clear the H-1B specialty occupation threshold. A degree in geography or public policy may qualify, but expect USCIS to scrutinize the connection. Get a credential evaluation before applying.
Target MPOs and regional planning agencies
Metropolitan planning organizations and regional councils are cap-exempt if affiliated with a qualifying nonprofit or government entity, meaning your petition skips the lottery entirely. Confirm cap-exempt status with the employer before accepting an offer.
Search LCA filings for urban planning roles
Use Migrate Mate to filter employers by verified DOL Labor Condition Application filings in urban planning occupations, so you're targeting organizations with a documented H-1B sponsorship record rather than cold-applying to unknowns.
Check prevailing wage levels before negotiating
Your offer must meet the DOL prevailing wage for your location and experience level. Use the OFLC Wage Search to look up the Level I through Level IV wages for SOC code 19-3051 in your target metro before salary discussions begin.
Ask about AICP certification in the offer stage
Some employers list AICP certification as a requirement on job postings but waive it for H-1B candidates in exchange for a timeline commitment. Clarify this in writing before the I-129 is filed, since USCIS may request evidence of professional credentials.
Account for LCA certification timing in your start date
Your employer must get the LCA certified by DOL before USCIS can adjudicate the I-129 petition. DOL typically certifies within seven business days, but build at least two weeks of buffer into your proposed start date to avoid gaps.
H-1B Visa Urban Planner: Frequently Asked Questions
Does an Urban Planner role qualify as an H-1B specialty occupation?
Yes. Urban planning qualifies as a specialty occupation because the job normally requires a bachelor's degree or higher in urban planning, regional planning, or a directly related field. USCIS evaluates whether your specific role and degree field are aligned, so roles involving GIS analysis, zoning review, or comprehensive planning all typically clear this bar without significant challenge.
Do government agencies sponsor H-1B visas for Urban Planners?
Many do, but the process differs from private sector employers. Federal agencies generally don't use H-1B, but state and local government agencies, metropolitan planning organizations, and public transit authorities regularly sponsor H-1B petitions. Some of these entities qualify as cap-exempt, which means your petition bypasses the annual lottery. Confirm cap-exempt status directly with the hiring agency before assuming lottery avoidance.
How do I find Urban Planner employers who sponsor H-1B visas?
Migrate Mate filters Urban Planner job listings by employers with verified H-1B Labor Condition Application filing history, so you can target organizations that have already navigated the sponsorship process rather than guessing from job postings. Consulting firms, transit agencies, and planning departments at larger municipalities are the most active sponsors in this occupation.
Can I transfer my H-1B to a new Urban Planner employer mid-status?
Yes. H-1B portability under AC21 lets you start working for a new employer as soon as the transfer petition is filed, not after approval, provided your current H-1B has been approved for at least 180 days. The new employer must file a new I-129 and a new LCA reflecting the wages and duties at the new organization before your first day.
What documentation does an Urban Planner need for an H-1B petition?
Your employer will need your academic transcripts, a degree certificate or credential evaluation if your degree is from outside the U.S., and documentation connecting your specific degree field to the planning role. If your degree is in a adjacent field like geography or public administration, prepare an advisory opinion or letter from a professional association explaining the nexus. USCIS requests these in Requests for Evidence more often for borderline field matches.